Lessons You’ll Learn Moving Abroad

5 Life Lessons You’ll Learn Moving Abroad 

Whether you have planned this out over the past six months or it is a spur-of-the-moment decision, moving abroad is a major life change. You have much that needs to be done before you can pack up, check out international moving companies, and head to your new homeland.
And there is much you can expect to learn when you make your big move, too! Here are five life lessons you can expect to learn when you move abroad.

Life Lesson #1: Letting Go of Stuff Before Calling International Moving Companies

As soon as you buy the boxes to begin packing, you will be overwhelmed. This is extremely common. Most people do not realize how much “stuff” they have until they decide to move. Then they realize they have been collecting stuff…and their family has been collecting stuff…and all together, they have a lot of STUFF!
There are several ways to reduce the number of items you pack to take with you on your move abroad.

Hold a Garage Sale

This may require a permit from your city (if so, the sale must be held on the day listed on the permit). It is a great way to unload unwanted items quickly and make money at the same time.

Be a Vendor at a Flea Market 

If you do not want to deal with marketing your garage sale, you can sell your stuff at a flea market. Rent space, put your items out on display, and interested people will stop and make purchases.

Sell Stuff Online

Many communities have online Facebook sites that allow members to sell items. Of course, this approach can be a little more time-consuming, but you can also do it from the comfort of your couch.

Give to Other Family Members and Friends

Do not be afraid to offer the things you do not want to take with you to your family and friends that are staying local. You may not even realize that they could use the things that you are giving away.

Donate to Charity

Many charities accept gently used clothes and shoes. If you have books you want to get rid of, donate them to your local veteran’s group or hospital. Mental health agencies may accept books, along with libraries, who can often use them for book sales.
If you are not using it now, and it holds no sentimental value, do not take it with you.

Life Lesson #2: You Develop New Skills to Survive

One of the most important skills you will need during your move abroad is patience. It is unlikely your move will occur without a snafu or two or more. You should plan for delays at each stage of your move — and be happy when there are none! You do not want to be upset or frustrated once you arrive at your new home. Neighbors likely are to come by to meet you, and that’s when you’ll want to be able to be calm and polite.
This brings up another new skill you may need to survive: Language. Even if you are moving to a country where people speak English, it may be a different dialect. It may sound foreign to you at first, but you will adapt to it over time.
If you are moving to a country that has a different language altogether, you might want to learn the basics of that language before or during the move. With the basics, you can at least ask for directions, get help, find the police and hospital, or simply greet someone. Lessons You’ll Learn Moving Abroad will vary.

Life Lesson #3: Making New Friends in a New Land is a Challenge (But You Are Up to It)

Even if you usually find it easy to make new friends, you might find it to be a bit more difficult when you have moved abroad. There are several reasons for this, including that people in that country may have assumptions about:

• The country you are from
• The politics of the country you are from
• Your religion
• Cultural differences

You may feel lonely or frustrated living in a new country where you don’t have anyone to talk to, go shopping with, or enjoy sporting events with on occasion. It can feel like a large and lonely world that you did not expect.
Depending on the culture, you may not be able to initiate the first overture of friendship. In some cultures, it’s polite to wait until someone approaches you first. So what can you do? Get out and about so your neighbors will know who you are and where you live. Eventually, though, you’re sure to find the right approach to make friends in your new home city.

Life Lesson #4: You Will Be More Open-Minded to New Experiences

The fact that you are moving abroad already suggests that you have an adventurous side. Once your move is finalized and the work of international moving companies is finished, you have lots of exploring to do: Your home, neighborhood, city, and more.
You might be planning adventure trips for years to come with your newfound friends. Over time, you will know more of the native language, be able to communicate better, and have the chance to satisfy your insatiable curiosity about your surroundings.
Why not try everything? Take in the local delights, like: Lessons You’ll Learn Moving Abroad

• Food
• Local entertainment
• Tourist attractions
• Fairs and bazaars
• Historical sites

Eventually, you may even make plans to visit nearby countries. Moving abroad builds your confidence as a world traveler. You may be surprised to find your desire to venture further and further from home grows more every day. As with any travel, safety comes first. Before you set out, make sure there are no advisories preventing travel to other countries.
Also Read: Expat Guides: Best Places to Settle Down Abroad

Life Lesson #5: You Accept International Moving Companies as Either Best Friends or Worst Enemies

Moving to another country is no easy task. You are not simply moving a dresser or a bed. You are moving your entire life, including memories, prized possessions, and family heirlooms. You are relying on the moving company to make sure your child’s toys and games make it abroad.
If all goes right, here’s what should happen:

Your Belongings Arrive at the Correct Destination

That would be your new home, of course! Thankfully, you do not need to track anything else. It all showed up together.

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is Right on Point 

Not only do your things arrive at the right location, but everything also arrives on time.

No Major Damages Have Occurred

When international moving companies do their job, everything should be packed to perfection. Even if things shifted, few items — if any — broke in the move.

The team from International Moving Companies Are Helpful

Want to know about your new neighborhood or city? Need assistance with something specific? If you cannot find someone nearby to help, ask one of the international moving company — chances are that they probably have the answer! International Van Lines offers international moving services to over 150 countries.

Any Complaints Are Handled Immediately

You have multiple people you can contact at the moving company, so any issues you have are dealt with as soon as possible.
The final result? You researched many international moving companies and chose the top one. You had an excellent experience moving abroad. Your entire family is settled and happy in their new homeland.

Making the Move

Moving abroad takes more than money. It takes preparation, commitment, and a sense of adventure. Whether you are moving for a career change, a relationship, or just because you want to, you will need patience, a sense of humor, and good communication skills to make the most of your big move.
If you are ready to take the plunge, move abroad, and experience these incredible life lessons, contact the team at International Van Lines for a free quote.